9 Awesome Festivals to Check Out in Michigan This March

March is a tug-of-war between winter and spring.

In Michigan, you never know what kind of weather to expect any given weekend. We've got to be ready for anything — and nothing's going to stop us from enjoying these 9 amazing festivals in Michigan this March. Which ones do you want to check out?

Brrs, Beards & Brews

"Brrs. Beards & Brews: A Lumberjack Festival" happens March 7 along Turner Street in Lansing's Old Town.

Flannel? Check. Fun and frivolity? Check. Facial hair? Check, check, check.

This is a 21+ event and will feature lots of lumberjack-themed activities, games and competitions, along with plenty of beer.

Clare Irish Festival

Make sure you wear your green to the 51st Annual Clare Irish Festival, happening March 11-14.

St. Patrick's Day-related events and fun will be taking place throughout downtown Clare, including live music, food and drink specials at many local merchants, and an Irish Festival Dance Party.

LaughFest

LaughFest happens March 11-15 in Grand Rapids. It's a comedy festival to benefit Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, an organization whose stated mission is to provide "free emotional healthcare to children, adults, families, and friends on any kind of cancer journey."

Comedians will take the stage at a variety of locations around Grand Rapids throughout the 5-day festival. A full itinerary of appearances can be found here, along with links to tickets.

Irish Off Ionia

What was once "Irish On Ionia" has relocated to Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids, so it's now "Irish Off Ionia".

It's one of Michigan's biggest Irish-themed celebrations, taking place this year on March 14. Organizers pledge "double the stages, double the drink tents, and double the fun" in 2026.

Detroit Shamrock Festival

Detroit's biggest Irish-themed celebration is the Detroit Shamrock Festival, happening in Greektown on March 14.

It's basically a big Irish tent party, with music, food and drink, and lots of vendors to shop.

Fenner Nature Center Maple Festival

March is about more than Irish-themed, St. Patrick's Day-related events. You'll also find lots of different maple syrup festivals around Michigan, including the 51st Annual Maple Syrup Festival at Fenner Nature Center in Lansing.

Celebrate "sugaring season" with pancakes and other maple-flavored food and drinks, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Oberon Day

This Kalamazoo-born beer is so popular, it has its own "holiday": Oberon Day!

Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo is ground zero for Oberon release day celebrations on March 23, but there will be events in other places as well, including the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners.

READ MORE: Two Beloved Michigan Film Festivals Announce Final Year

Ann Arbor Film Festival

The 64th Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival happens March 24-29.

Billing itself as the world's oldest experimental and avant-garde film festival, the Ann Arbor Film Festival looks to promote visionary filmmakers through its annual series of showings at Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor.

Grand Rapids Bourbon Fest

The Grand Rapids Bourbon Fest takes place March 7 at New Vintage Place in Grand Rapids.

Enjoy hand-crafted bourbon cocktails, food trucks, and live music at this multi-session event.